KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — A recent survey by Pew Research Centre found that almost half of Malaysians still view Russia positively, even as global perception against the superpower...
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — A recent survey by Pew Research Centre found that almost half of Malaysians still view Russia positively, even as global perception against the superpower has fallen to a record low following its invasion of Ukraine starting February this year.
In the survey, Malaysians polled were mixed in their view toward Russia. While 47 per cent said they had a “very or somewhat favourable” view of the country, 30 per cent said they had “somewhat unfavourable” view and just 20 per cent chose “very unfavourable”. “In Italy, Greece and Poland, positive views of Russia have declined by more than 30 percentage points since the question was last asked,” the report said.
“A similar pattern exists regarding general ideological leanings. There were large ideological divides in 2021 on attitudes toward Putin, with those on the right of the political spectrum expressing more confidence in him than those on the left.” Conversely, Malaysian respondents also viewed the United States negatively, with 56 per cent saying the superpower is not a reliable partner.
“Across the Asia-Pacific publics surveyed, views of the US exit of Afghanistan are slightly more positive overall than in Europe. Majorities in Malaysia, Australia and Singapore look favourably on the decision,” it said.